Lansing MI---June 4, 2018: A new requirement for opioid prescribers will help protect patients from substance use disorder. Beginning today, physicians and pharmacists are required to register with the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS) prior to prescribing or dispensing Schedules 2-5 controlled substances in any quantity.

This requirement is part of a larger legislative package signed by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley in December 2017 to combat the opioid epidemic. Public Act 248 specifically requires prescribers and dispensers to register with MAPS and review MAPS before prescribing or dispensing a Schedule 2-5 controlled substance to a patient in a quantity that exceeds a 3-day supply.

“Combating the opioid epidemic requires a collaborative effort between legislators, government agencies and health professionals in Michigan,” Calley said. “Registering with MAPS and then reviewing the MAPS report prior to prescribing a Schedule 2-5 controlled substance will help health professionals make an informed decision about a patient’s prescription history and trigger a conversation with the patient about the potential dangers, risks and addictive nature of these medications.”

The new MAPS, which launched in April 2017, provides prescribers with a user-friendly portal, making it more efficient for practitioners to obtain information about controlled substances and Schedule 2-5 drugs that have been dispensed to patients. Prescribers include dentists, physicians (M.D. and D.O.), physician assistants, podiatrists, optometrists, veterinarians, and advanced practice registered nurses under delegation.

“MAPS is one of the many prevention tools being used in our fight against the opioid epidemic,” said Kim Gaedeke, deputy director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). “The use of MAPS by prescribers and dispensers will give clinicians more robust analytics and insights to a patient’s risk for possible substance use disorder or other health concerns if prescribed a controlled substance.”

In addition to the registration requirement for MAPS, beginning June 1, health care providers are also required to counsel patients on the risks of opioids before prescribing and complete an informative “Start Talking” form when prescribing controlled substances to patients.

The state is using every available tool to combat the opioid epidemic. The collaborative efforts of state agencies amplifies Michigan’s efforts related to prevention and treatment of patients, education of health professionals and enforcement of over-prescribers.

MAPS is administered by LARA. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provides resources for patients, health professionals and communities related to prevention and treatment of opioid abuse. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality assists individuals with proper drug disposal of unwanted prescription medications. All Michigan State Police posts serve as prescription drug take-back sites and operate the Angel Program for individuals struggling with drug addiction. The efforts of state agencies are advised by the Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Commission, which is made up of health professionals, law enforcement officers, substance abuse treatment providers, government officials and residents.